Article Details - Overview

Upon completion of this educational activity, you should be able to:

• Assess the prognostic and predictive values of epidemiologic, laboratory, molecular, and genetic risk factors in defining the natural history of CLL
• Discuss the efficacy and safety of different treatment options in relapsed/refractory CLL
• Assess the efficacy and safety of next-generation MoAbs in patients with CLL

Authors

Caron A. Jacobson, MD; Jennifer R. Brown, MD, PhD; Stephan Stilgenbauer, MD; Tadeusz Robak, MD; Thorsten Zenz, MD

Overview and Purpose

It has been estimated that approximately 15,000 new cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) will be diagnosed in the United States in 2009. Standard treatment options for CLL have typically included purine analogues and/or alkylating agents, with purine analogue–based combination therapies yielding overall response rates of approximately 60%-95%. Despite the effectiveness of such conventional therapies, the majority of patients with CLL will eventually relapse or develop refractory disease. Over the past decade, significant strides have been made in developing therapies that have improved clinical outcomes for patients with CLL in both the frontline and salvage settings. This progress has occurred largely due to the introduction of monoclonal antibodies (MoAbs), such as those targeting CD20 or CD52, and their incorporation into existing purine analogue–based chemotherapeutic regimens. More recent advances include the clinical development of new MoAbs targeting novel molecular targets, cytotoxic agents, and other biologic agents for the treatment of patients with CLL. In addition, investigative efforts have focused on identifying and assessing molecular and genetic risk factors for their prognostic and predictive utility in patients with CLL. Of the markers identified, unmutated immunoglobulin variable region heavy chain and deletions in chromosome 17p are considered reliable prognosticators of poor prognosis that might be useful in predicting the natural history of an individual patient with CLL.

The purpose of this activity is to update physicians on prognostic risk factors and emerging treatment strategies for patients with CLL. 

Target Audience

This educational activity is intended for medical oncologists and hematologists involved in the care of patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia. No specific skills or knowledge other than a basic training in oncology is required for successful participation in this activity.